Threads: What is it and the Sacramento Decision Makers and Political Influencers Using it

By Rachel Marquardt, Senior Digital Strategist

Since Elon Musks’ takeover and transformation of Twitter, the social media world has anticipated a new rival app. Now Twitter may have met its match with the arrival of Meta’s new app “Threads.” Since its release on July 5, the app has already set itself apart from other self-proclaimed Twitter-rival apps, with over 30 million sign ups and 1 million posts within less than 24 hours. According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Threads now has 100 million sign-ups.  

While it may feel like everyone is hopping on the platform, the app —nicknamed the “Twitter Killer” — is not without controversy, especially among legislators and key political influencers in Sacramento. And while its users continue to climb and the app’s capabilities improve, it’s still too early to tell if this young app will take over the Twittersphere and take the place as the go-to platform for Sacramento Beltway policy and political discourse. 

Meet Threads — Instagram’s new sibling and Twitter rival 

The development of the Threads app began six months ago when Facebook and Instagram creator-company “Meta” saw an opportunity to enter the race to create a “new Twitter.” Compared to other Twitter rival apps such as BlueSky, Threads was already a rising star, backed by the deep pockets of its parent company, Meta. 

The platform looks strikingly like Twitter with the style of its sister platform Instagram, and has many capabilities similar to Twitter, such as posting, liking, reposting and sharing. Threads is also an algorithmically driven timeline, which means a user’s timeline will be a blend of who they are following and users they’ve never encountered before. 

One of the most notable aspects of this platform is that it is already connected to Meta social media app Instagram. Currently, users cannot join Threads without having an Instagram account, as new users join by logging in through their existing account. Verification badges also transfer over – a seamless and stark contrast to the chaos and cost of Elon’s Musk’s Twitter verification process.  

Other major differences between the two platforms include a 500-character count compared to Twitter’s 250-character limit, and the capability to post 5-minute videos compared to Twitter’s 2 minute and 20 second threshold, offering users additional space to share their opinions and perspectives. 

Will Twitter be replaced? 

While Threads has the same root capabilities of Twitter, the question still stands if it will adopt the same atmosphere and presence as the Twittersphere. Thanks to Meta’s deep pockets, Threads developers have the time and resources to adjust and update the platform to user needs. However, many Twitter users are arguing that Twitter continues to be irreplaceable.  

Overall, we are seeing many prominent users post on both Threads and Twitter, meaning there’s potential.  But will this take the place of the #CALeg Community? In the few days after the app’s launch there was a slow start from Sacramento lawmakers, although significant numbers of political and policy minds as well as the capitol press corps have launched profiles. 

KEY SACRAMENTO DECISION MAKERS AND POLITICAL INFLUENCERS ON THREADS 

List updated as of July 17 at 11:30 a.m. PST 

What’s next for the political and communications world? 

While it’s too early to say if Threads will live up to its “Twitter Killer” nickname, it appears to be its fiercest competitor yet, with its user base rising quickly. What also remains to be seen if it can take the place of Twitter, which is the platform for political and policy discourse. In addition, Meta’s goal is to have Threads work across multiple apps to create what is called the Fediverse — a federated universe of services that all work under the same. 

Updates ahead 

While the app is flourishing with users, its capabilities are bare bones. This means updates and changes are likely to happen quickly and frequently as the platform grows. Many users already have expressed interest in the platform adding a direct messaging capability and the ability to create lists as Twitter does, those features have not been activated but we can expect it will be soon. Other significant additions mentioned by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, as “on his list” include… 

• A website interface. Currently Threads is an app only. 
• A “trending” feed, similar to Twitter’s current trending feed. 
• An elevated search that includes the ability to search topics and hashtags 
• A feed that includes only people you follow. 
• An option that allows only people you know to reply to your thread. 

A way to advertise through Threads is also on the list, but Mosseri has mentioned that opening ad capabilities on the platform is not a top priority just yet. According to Mosseri, the app team is prioritizing making the app efficient and ensuring users continue to grow before turning the focus to monetization.  

So, how do you sign up for Threads? 

If you, your team or the organization you represent has an Instagram account already, it is an easy process to sign up and explore the platform. Depending on preferences, the best strategy may be to begin posting on the platform. But keep in mind that even if you decide to go “full speed ahead” on Threads, it doesn’t mean Twitter or any other prominent social platforms are less relevant — yet. For organizations who do not have an Instagram account, now may be the time to consider creating one in order to save your username for a possible Threads account in the future. 

The accelerated adoption of the new platform Threads is an exciting prospect, and we are waiting in anticipation to see if the app takes a seat at the table of important social platforms like Instagram — and steals Twitter’s seat after all. Only time will tell how it will impact the Sacramento echo chamber, our communities, and the way we communicate. 

RANDLE COMMUNICATIONS HIRES NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR TO BOLSTER INNOVATION AND SUPERCHARGE ITS CONTENT STUDIO

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, announced today the hire of award-winning director and producer Michael Miller as its first-ever Creative Director to fuel Randle’s in-house video practice and content studio. This hire reflects the next phase of Randle’s digital evolution and growth as the firm continues to lead the industry. Miller’s talent, experience and exceptional leadership will drive the firm toward continued creation of breakthrough content and strategic storytelling to shape and frame client issues.  

“Michael brings a unique blend of creative vision, engaging storytelling and artistic expertise that will play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing Randle’s creative services,” said Randle Founder and CEO Jeff Randle. “Michael is an extraordinary director, video producer and leader, boasting a tremendous portfolio that spans multiple industries. With Michael at the helm, our team is poised to deliver unmatched creative excellence for our clients and push the boundaries of innovation.” 

With more than a dozen years of video production experience, Miller has produced many high-profile video shoots and worked on more than 100 productions for global clients, including BMW, the San Diego Zoo, One Medical and Cheetos. Miller’s extensive expertise encompasses photo and video production, including directing, camera operation, lighting and video editing. His deep understanding of these essential elements ensures the seamless creation of visually captivating content that leaves a lasting impression and communicates compelling narratives on behalf of clients.   

As Randle’s Creative Director, Miller will lead the firm’s video production studio, collaborating with client partners to create engaging and impactful content. Miller will be a catalyst to strengthen the firm’s portfolio of videos, graphics and multimedia content, transforming complex ideas and messages into visually compelling stories.   

“I am thrilled to join Randle Communications’ dynamic team and bolster its powerhouse creative services practice,” said Miller. “Randle leads the public affairs and public relations industry, spearheading innovation in storytelling while also delivering exceptional client service. I look forward to working alongside this award-winning and talented team to shape industry narratives and raise the bar for industry excellence.” 

About Randle Communications:   

Jeff Randle created Randle Communications in 2001 to give clients great service from experts who thrive in a team environment. Randle specializes in strategic storytelling, executive positioning, brand building and reputation management, media relations, digital advocacy, breakthrough content generation, ballot initiative campaigns, litigation communications and crisis management. The firm is a two-time Inc. Magazine Best WorkPlace award winner and has been a longstanding recipient of the Sacramento Business Journal’s A+ Employer award.    

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RANDLE COMMUNICATIONS LAUNCHES HEALTH CARE PRACTICE

Announcement adds to firm’s diverse practice areas and expertise cementing reputation as California’s leading public relations and public affairs firm   

SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications (Randle) the top public relations and public affairs firm in California’s capital region, announced an official launch of its health care practice, formalizing one of the agency’s largest and deepest industry verticals. The announcement of the health care practice adds to the firm’s public relations, public affairs and political affairs practices, along with its in-house digital, creative services, including design and video storytelling, that together offer clients unrivalled strategic value and expertise. 

The move cements Randle’s role as a strategic communications powerhouse, working alongside organizations and leaders who are innovators, all striving to create a healthier future for all. Randle has built a broad and diverse health care client roster that includes work with payers and providers as well as experience working for and with state agencies, the largest statewide health care trade associations, and some of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems and behavioral health nonprofits. The firm’s blend of strategy and sophisticated tactics advance its health care clients’ goals to shape a healthier California. 

“For decades, Sacramento has been known as a government town, but it’s clear the city is also a health care town, serving as a catalyst for industry and policy innovation,” said Lindsey Goodwin, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Health Care Practice lead. “Beyond the large presence of health systems in Sacramento and the Northern California region, decisions in our capital city drive health care national trends and serve as a model for the rest of the country.” 

The pandemic has changed many aspects of health care delivery and policy as well as consumer perceptions and decision making, posing new challenges and providing the opportunity for innovative solutions. From access and equity to reimbursement and affordability, it’s more important now than ever before for the industry to frame key issues, engage with consumers and shape the debates among   stakeholders and elected officials. 

“The competitive advantage of Randle’s health care practice goes beyond issue expertise and experience to include an unrivalled 360-degree perspective our firm brings to every project given our deep public relations, public affairs and political expertise. Our team offers insight into consumer and opinion leader thinking as well as innovative services to advance the goals of our clients,” said Jeff Randle, Founder and CEO. 

Randle has led some of the state’s largest consumer health and integrated public affairs campaigns that have helped major health care trade associations shape, frame and win legislative debates. Outside of the policy arena, Randle has also led local land use and ballot initiative campaigns, helping expand access to health care and protecting hospitals’ abilities to continue to operate in local communities across California. Randle is battle tested and understands the complexities of the policy and political climate that shapes the health care landscape in California. The firm’s in-house creative, digital and video capabilities also provide a unique agility to provide clients with dynamic storytelling that establishes their voices and engages key audiences to achieve their objectives by deploying bold and creative strategies to cut through an often-cluttered landscape. 

The depth of Randle’s health care expertise is clear in its roster of dynamic client partners. Randle is proud to support the nation’s largest state-based health insurance exchange, Covered California, and is eager to help state partners as California embarks on its massive shift in Medi-Cal enrollment following the end of the state’s Public Health Emergency. The firm lives and breathes health care through its ongoing work with major statewide trade associations and non-profits who are shaping policy agendas through integrated public affairs campaigns that incorporate digital storytelling to drive awareness and action by key audiences. Past and current work includes strategic partnerships with the California Hospital Association, Californians Allied for Patient Protection, Private Essential Access Community Hospitals, Behavioral Health Action, National Alliance on Mental Illness California, Adventist Health, John Muir Health, CommonSpirit Health Physician Enterprise and others. 

Learn more about Randle’s health care practice here: randlecommunications.com/healthcare   

About Randle Communications:  

Jeff Randle created Randle Communications in 2001 to give clients great service from experts who thrive in a team environment. Randle specializes in strategic storytelling, executive positioning, brand building and reputation management, media relations, digital advocacy, breakthrough content generation, ballot initiative campaigns, litigation communications and crisis management. The firm is a two-time Inc. Magazine Best WorkPlace award winner and has been a longstanding recipient of the Sacramento Business Journal’s A+ Employer award.   

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Major Lessons From My Internship from a Soon-to-Be College Graduate

By Janelle Vaca, Winter Intern, Randle Communications

For the last three months, I had the opportunity to navigate the exciting and challenging world of public relations and public affairs as an intern at Randle Communications. As a soon-to-be communications graduate from Sacramento State, I believe the insights I gained from my internship positively shaped my understanding of the industry as well as my future career path.

From Pajamas to Professional: Balancing School and Work as an Intern

Navigating the landscape of the Sacramento communications world as an intern has been an adventure. As a full-time student, balancing the demands of school and work was a challenge, but I quickly adapted to the hybrid environment and learned to work effectively from home.

During my first day at Randle, I was met with a new industry lexicon of industry language and business acronyms including CTA, KPI, PAC, ROI and many, many more. But with the help of my colleagues and mentors, I studied and quickly picked up on the terminology. My colleagues were patient and happy to explain any concepts or acronyms that I didn’t understand.

My first piece of advice for interns is to always ask questions, especially if you are unclear of what something means. There are a lot of acronyms in PR, and it can be confusing at first, but asking for help from those who have been in the industry for many years is the best way to learn and grow in your role.

Lights, Camera, Impact: Behind the Scenes

One of the most exciting aspects of my internship was the opportunity to learn about the energy, effort and strategy of activities conducted behind the scenes. As a public relations/public affairs firm, much of our work to position clients, industries and issues happens behinds the scenes. I gained a new appreciation for the importance of this work and what it takes to support client partners and achieve their goals through strategic communications and advocacy. I was, as an example, extraordinarily proud to be a part of a team who supported the important work of a local health care organization. Together, we helped make a positive impact in the community, and I learned firsthand how vital PR/PA work is in shaping public discourse and educating key audiences. It was a great feeling to be a part of something bigger, and to see firsthand the positive impact that we had on the local community.

From Social Media Rookie to Messaging Master: Skills I Learned

During my time at Randle, I also developed a range of valuable skills that will be useful throughout my career. Not only did I observe the mastery of the firm’s senior digital strategist, but I also learned the importance of creating effective messages that match platform distribution and are generated from trusted ambassador voices.

I also practiced executing work while under tight deadlines, a valuable skill in any workplace, but a necessity in the fast-paced world of public relations and public affairs. Traditional and new media landscapes are full of evolving content and with issues rapidly and constantly changing, and I saw firsthand the importance of flexibility and time management to ensure tasks are completed on time. In an agency, things move quickly, and I learned to ask colleagues for specific timelines to help prioritize my tasks, and those timelines were frequently adjusted throughout the day. I’m grateful to my team for helping me learn more about prioritizing activities and perfecting the art of time management.

Carbs and Communication: The Importance of Building Relationships

Networking is key in public affairs and public relations to meet and connect with other professionals and industry players. I was fortunate that my internship included frequent mentorship sessions and daily engagement with members of the firm’s leadership team. We also enjoyed weekly all-team meetings to connect with other coworkers, usually over some morning bagels or other goodies. This streamlined my onboarding process and helped me feel more comfortable in the office right away. The regular networking events were always a highlight of my week because I loved having the opportunity to connect with professionals in my field and learn from their experiences. It’s essential to take what you learn about networking with you after your internship. As you continue to grow in your career, don’t be afraid to ask other professionals out for coffee or lunch, attend industry events, and stay connected with your former colleagues. The connections you make during your internship and beyond can be invaluable for your professional development and help you succeed in the field of public affairs and public relations.

Lessons Learned and Future Goals: Reflecting on my Internship

Looking back on my internship at Randle, I’m proud of everything I learned and grateful for the experiences I had. I’m especially thankful for this introduction to the professional world, which will help me further my future in communications. My team gave me a head start on how to use programs that I will use for the rest of my career. Thanks to Randle, I feel more prepared and confident than ever as I embark on my career in the communication field.

If you’re considering an internship in public relations or public affairs, I can’t recommend Randle highly enough. It’s a challenging and rewarding environment that will help you develop valuable skills and make a positive impact on the community.

Announcing Promotions of our Executive Management Team

Hello colleagues, friends and industry partners,

Today is a historic day at Randle Communications as I am thrilled to announce major promotions for our talented executive leadership team. Across my 35 year career in public affairs, public relations and politics, I’ve never worked alongside such a talented and passionate group of professionals, who exude ‘Good to Great’ leadership and are committed to one another and the success of our team.

Julie Phillips is being promoted to President and a Partner at the firm after 11 years of exceptional work at Randle Communications. Julie is an extraordinarily talented professional and a one-of a kind leader that blends a unique ability to think strategically and execute complex projects flawlessly. She is the ultimate team player that uses her talents to mentor our team while also staying laser focused on developing each one of them into great professionals. In her role as President of the firm, she will run the firm’s day to day operations, lead the Senior Management Team and play a larger strategic and leadership role with our clients. Since joining the firm, Julie has been a catalyst for company growth, launching the firm’s award-winning digital public affairs program, spurring innovation in services and leading public affairs and public relations projects for major California clients.

Lindsey Goodwin will now serve as Randle’s Senior Vice President leading the firm’s public affairs and health care practices. Known and respected for her passion and deep public policy experience, she enriches client strategy and delivers sophisticated and fully integrated programs to many of California’s largest industries and organizations. Since 2013, Lindsey has propelled Randle’s award-winning public affairs and health care practices, in the process becoming an expert in health care, transportation and housing, while also cultivating the trust and respect of clients and colleagues.

Erin Dunlay is a remarkably talented and versatile professional whose two decades of experience splits across public relations, public affairs and ballot measure campaigns. Erin specializes in strategic communications and will drive the firm’s growing public relations practice as Senior Vice President, bringing her vast experience launching large-scale initiatives, building and protecting brands and amplifying client stories using traditional and innovative digital tools. Since 2015, Erin has played a central role across diverse client industries, leading project teams that span health care, banking and finance, environmental protection, public pension management and crisis communications.

Nanette Farag has supercharged Randle’s political affairs practice since joining the firm and will now serve as its Senior Vice President, bringing her unmatched talent to power the expansion of the firm’s political affairs practice. Nanette is a skilled public affairs and political strategist with executive experience achieving success and winning ballot measures at the state and local levels. She leads the industry with her strategic thinking and tenacious pursuit of winning. Nanette has nearly two decades of experience leading strategic operations, political campaigns and external relations for high-profile candidates and elected officials. Since 2019, Nanette has propelled the firm’s in-house political affairs services, cultivating a comprehensive suite of offerings that connect research, data, strategic coalition development, breakthrough content production, earned and paid media and multi-faceted messaging strategies.

This marks a monumental step as the firm creates a pathway for further expansion and innovation into the future.

Along with our Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Kifer, the senior leadership of Randle Communications is comprised of individuals with tremendous talent, experience, passion and commitment to leading a team-first organization. Individually each are spectacular based on their unique expertise and skills, and combined, they represent a dynamic and powerhouse team.

These promotions will drive continued collaboration across practice and issue areas, bringing greater value and strategic communications support to firm clients.

Please join me in celebrating this exciting announcement!

Best,

Jeff Randle,
Founder & CEO,
Randle Communications

RANDLE COMMUNICATIONS ELEVATES SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM TO POWER THE FIRM INTO THE FUTURE

New Roles Drive Public Relations, Public Affairs and Political Practices 

SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications, the leading public relations and public affairs firm in Sacramento, has announced major promotions of its executive team to drive the firm’s continued expansion, growth and innovation. Julie Phillips has been elevated to President and Partner of the firm, and Lindsey Goodwin, Erin Dunlay and Nanette Farag have been named to Senior Vice President roles in Public Affairs, Public Relations and Political Affairs. This marks a significant step for the firm, as its executive team will drive growth and success across dynamic practice areas and continue bringing clients innovative in-house services with the tenacity of a startup and the expertise and resources of a national firm. Jeff Randle remains in the position as Founder and CEO, bringing decades of strategic communications experience working alongside client partners at the highest levels of the private and public sectors.  

“Julie, Lindsey, Erin and Nanette are a powerhouse team who bring tremendous value to our client partners based on their unique strengths and expertise, and together, they offer visionary leadership and decades of public relations, public affairs and political expertise,” said Founder and CEO Jeff Randle. “Their talents, passion, and devotion to supporting our team have propelled the firm to its top position in the market and sustained our growth over the past decade.” 

The leadership team, including its Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Kifer, has been working together for nearly a decade to deliver results for clients across diverse industries including health care, finance, housing, natural resources, education and utilities. Their innovative approach to communications has solidified the firm’s position as a leading provider of public affairs and public relations services across California.   

In her new role as President and Partner of the firm, Julie Phillips will steer firm operations with her dynamic leadership, creativity, and flawless execution of complex projects, and she will play a larger strategic role leading major clients across the organization. Since joining the firm in 2012, Phillips has been a catalyst for company growth, launching the firm’s award-winning digital public affairs program, spurring innovation in services and leading public affairs and public relations projects for major California clients.  

Lindsey Goodwin will lead the firm’s public affairs practice and launch a new health care practice, bringing passion and deep public policy experience to enrich client strategy and deliver sophisticated and fully integrated programs to many of California’s largest industries and organizations. Since 2013, Goodwin has propelled Randle’s award-winning public affairs practice, in the process becoming an expert in health care, transportation and housing, while also cultivating the trust and respect of clients and colleagues.  

Erin Dunlay specializes in strategic communications and will drive the firm’s growing public relations practice with her vast experience launching large-scale initiatives, building and protecting brands and amplifying client stories using traditional and innovative digital tools. Since 2015, Dunlay has played a central role across diverse client industries, leading project teams that span health care, banking and finance, environmental protection, public pension management, crisis communications and ballot measure campaigns.  

Nanette Farag will fuel the expansion of the firm’s political affairs practice. Farag is a skilled public affairs and political strategist with executive experience achieving success and winning ballot measures at the state and local levels. She leads the industry with her strategic thinking and tenacious pursuit of winning. Farag has nearly two decades of experience leading strategic operations, political campaigns and external relations for high-profile candidates and elected officials. Since 2019, Farag has propelled the firm’s in-house political affairs services, cultivating a comprehensive suite of offerings that connect research, data, strategic coalition development, breakthrough content production, earned and paid media and multi-faceted messaging strategies.  

“This group’s passion for the industry and their commitment to culture and supporting one another is unmatched,” said Randle. “It’s an extraordinary group of ‘Good to Great’ leaders who make a powerhouse team.” 

These promotions will propel continued collaboration across practice and issue areas, bringing greater value and strategic communications support to firm clients.   

About Randle Communications:  

Jeff Randle created Randle Communications in 2001 to give clients great service from experts who thrive in a team environment. Randle specializes in strategic storytelling, executive positioning, brand building and reputation management, media relations, digital advocacy, breakthrough content generation, ballot initiative campaigns, litigation communications and crisis management. The firm is a two-time Inc. Magazine Best WorkPlace award winner and has been a longstanding receipt of the Sacramento Business Journal’s A+ Employer award.   

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Leveraging Social Media to Cultivate and Strengthen Coalitions

By: Michael Lienhard, Senior Account Executive, Randle Communications

A critical public affairs strategy for success is building an authentic coalition of partners who champion your cause. Coalition building includes cultivating a group of stakeholders, often from diverse backgrounds, that have unique viewpoints but a shared stake in the outcome of policy decisions. While digital platforms and social media are ubiquitous in 2023, online platforms are often overlooked as a tool for creating and growing coalitions.

From recruiting potential partners to engaging with existing allies, social media can expand reach, mobilize supporters and amplify messages. Below, we examine the role of social media in coalition building and provide three best practices to leverage social media to build successful coalitions and win for our clients.

1. Identify Prospective Coalition Members

Who are existing allies and how can we identify new partners? Consider the individuals, organizations and other influencers who share goals or have a stake in the issue at hand, even tangentially. Use social media listening tools, to analyze online conversations, to identify organizations, individuals and groups with shared views.

When examining potential partners consider individuals and organizations with large social media followings or other forms of influence, such as high engagement rates or loyal followers.

2. Leverage Social Media for Partner Engagement

Once potential partners have been identified, the next step is to engage by commenting on posts, sharing content, tagging individuals and organizations in posts or articles of common interest, and reaching out directly to share your goals and propose ways of collaboration. It’s important to be sincere with all interactions and to avoid simply asking for their support. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships and finding ways to collaborate on shared goals.

In addition to reaching out to potential partners, social media is a must when engaging with existing coalition members. This could include sharing updates on the campaign, highlighting the work of coalition members and providing engaging content and opportunities for members to share their own stories and experiences related to the issue. Keeping coalition members engaged and informed can help build a sense of community and momentum around the campaign.

3. Measure Success and Partnership Engagement

If you can’t measure impact it is difficult to determine effectiveness, so it’s important to track and analyze social media efforts and make refinements as necessary. Establishing goals at the onset and monitoring engagement metrics such as likes, comments and shares, is key to gauge the impact of efforts to grow the coalition over time. By analyzing this data, you can identify what’s working and what’s not, and adjust the social media strategy accordingly.

Social media is a powerful tool for building coalitions in strategic public affairs campaigns. By identifying potential partners, engaging with existing coalition members and leveraging influencers, campaigns can use social media to expand their reach, mobilize supporters, amplify resonance and ultimately deliver winning results. Randle Communications follows these best practices to help clients achieve their goals.

5 Ways to Increase Innovation at your Agency or Organization

By Rachel Marquardt, Senior Digital Strategist, Randle Communications

The hustle and bustle of agency life includes full schedules, complex projects and client objectives, and professionals with diverse strengths and skill sets.  The landscape doesn’t easily create space and time to pursue new ideas and breach the innovative frontier, but as the digital world continues evolving, it’s critical agencies ensure their teams are positioned to maximize new technology, ideate and problem-solve while still supporting their clients with industry-leading services. 

Here are a few tips that could benefit your agency as you work to weave in time for innovation for your busy team. 

1. Embrace Strategies to Turn Pressure into Productivity  

Did you know that individuals are most creative at a specific time of day? It’s science – when the brain is overwhelmed, it leaves no room for creativity. This may give readers who are in the agency world the urge to stop reading this article altogether because it can be difficult to unclutter your mind when there is consistent pressure to provide the highest quality work for clients. The answer is this: Harness pressure into productivity. 

When stress becomes overwhelming, something neurologists refer to as “downshifting,” a state of fight or flight occurs where your brain’s pathways are not open to creative ideas, only ideas that will support survival. However, there are ways to “upshift” your brain out of this state and into a state of creativity and productivity, according to Leading Crisis Management Expert Ben Ramalingam in his book “UpShift.” 

There are a few things you can do to upshift your brain and turn pressure into productivity, including: 

• Reset your mind by taking a quick walk or getting a breath of fresh air 
• Work in a different space of the office than usual for a period of time (if in person) 

• Meditate or practice deep breathing 
• Use a grounding technique such as a stress ball, journal, or inspirational quote to take your brain away from a stressful task 
• Let a digital or on-paper to-do list take ownership of keeping track of your day-to-day tasks, so your brain has more room for creativity 

These disruptions to your standard flow or routine will give your brain the opportunity to upshift.  

To learn more about upshifting, check out the book  “Upshift” by Ben Ramalingam.  

2. Optimize Your In-Person or Virtual Collaboration Time 

Brainstorming – a concept initially invented by Alex Osborn in the 1950s – is best done together in an inclusive, undistracting environment. This means setting aside other tasks to focus on one goal, together, whether in a virtual setting or in person. Optimize your in-person or virtual collaboration time by scheduling 30 minutes to 1 hour for your team to brainstorm solutions to one challenge without any other agenda items or distractions. At Randle Communications, we value using our brainstorming space to set aside focused ideation sessions where we don’t let other client items or tasks interfere. 

3. Encourage Diverse Perspectives to Generate Ideas 

There is great value in incorporating diverse skills and perspectives into a team who is looking to problem-solve. Unlike what some may believe, it isn’t the similarities between team members that hold the most value but their differences. This means different backgrounds, departments, skills, and levels in your organization too. It takes multiple personalities, ideas, and perspectives to achieve goals and see innovative ideas through.  

There are many helpful tools for helping people pinpoint their productive personalities and where they best fit when it comes to innovative problem-solving. For example, is there someone in your office who is an endless idea generator? Or how about someone who likes to take a plan and jump in to make things happen? These people are just some of the many puzzle pieces that fit to make an innovative team. 

Many people believe it is an innate personality trait to be innovative or be a “problem-solver,” but that is truly not the case. This means when you’re assembling your project teams or bringing people together to solve a problem, even someone who may not feel like they have the “innovative” gene might have the perfect piece to finish your team’s puzzle. If you’re interested in learning how your team can harness their skills and personalities in the workplace, check out FourSight, or The Ten Faces of Innovation by Tom Peters. 

4. Quantity Will Lead to Quality 

You have the team, you’ve set aside the time. But how do you plan a productive brainstorming session? When it comes to brainstorming ideas that will lead to innovative solutions, quantity will lead to quality. This concept was coined by Osborn and has been researched and confirmed by multiple creativity, innovation, and behavior researchers. 

In order to develop quality concepts from a quantity of ideas, here’s a quick sequence to try in your brainstorming sessions: 

1. Define your challenge, or the problem you are hoping to solve. 
2. Have your team individually write down as many ideas as possible.  
3. Have each team member add their ideas to a whiteboard, or a virtual list for the team to see. 
4. Begin discussing which of the ideas are most viable. Can multiple ideas connect? Do some of the ideas spark others? 
5. From there, pick the idea or ideas the team wants to move forward with, and begin making a plan to address your problem. 

Practice omitting the word “no,” from these brainstorming sessions, as someone’s “no” might be a YES from a differing perspective, or could pair well with another idea. 

5. Create an Innovative Space… Physically. 

This last section is for teams with a hybrid working schedule or mainly work in-office. If your space is drowning in division due to a large number of physical dividers, consider reimagining a part of your office space for your team. Prioritize building a common space for brainstorming and creativity. Here are a few suggestions for building out your collaboration space: 

• Incorporate a White Board: This will help increase collaboration by allowing the team time away from screens and with each other. 
• Make it a Comfortable Space: Swap out the swivel chairs for couches and make sure there’s enough for the group, big or small. 
• Place it in a Prominent Location: If your workspace allows it, select a location that is easily accessible and people pass by frequently. 

Julie Phillips Elevated to Managing Director

Randle Communications, Sacramento’s top public relations and public affairs firm, has announced that Julie Phillips has been elevated to Managing Director. She will continue to hold the Vice President title while also expanding her responsibilities by leading day-to-day firm operations, including talent acquisition, resource management, business growth, and innovation. Phillips will report directly to President and CEO Jeff Randle and lead the senior management team of expert public relations, public affairs, and political professionals.

“Julie Phillips has been an integral leader of our firm for a decade, and this well-deserved promotion underscores her value to our clients, our team, and the critical role she will play for the firm as we continue to grow and expand,” said President and CEO Jeff Randle. “She has the perfect blend of experience, expertise, and vision to lead firm operations, having guided complex and high-stakes public relations and public affairs programs, while also cultivating trust with client partners and the respect of our team.”

Phillips started her career in the State Legislature, joining Randle in 2012. Since then, she has played a central role in the growth of the company, launching the firm’s award-winning digital public affairs program, spurring innovation in services, and leading public affairs and public relations projects for major California clients in health care, finance, housing, natural resources, and utilities.

“It’s a privilege to work with Jeff Randle and Mitch Zak to support the best strategic communications team in California and work on projects that have a profound impact on the future of our state. Randle Communications is stronger than ever, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help lead the organization into the future,” Phillips said.

Phillips earned a political science degree from the University of California, Davis, where she was elected vice president of the Undergraduate Student Association. Phillips was recognized as one the Sacramento Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2017 and is an Alumni of Leadership Sacramento.

Emilie Cameron to Fuel Firm’s Next Phase of Expansion and Growth

Randle Communications, Sacramento’s top public relations and public affairs firm, has hired Emilie Cameron to bolster the firm’s next phase of expansion and growth with a renewed commitment to supporting Sacramento projects that will drive our region into the future. Cameron is a Sacramento native who is passionate about the region and well-known for her civic leadership, knowledge of the regional business climate and advocacy to improve the Downtown grid. An outspoken advocate for Downtown, she has led several high-profile public affairs campaigns in the region. Cameron will lead Randle’s local strategic communications campaigns as vice president, solidifying the firm’s senior ranks and complimenting its public relations, public affairs, ballot initiative and digital practices.

“Emilie Cameron is a highly-accomplished communications professional known for her strategic mindset, unmatched relationships and tenacity to get things done,” said President and CEO Jeff Randle. “She is wired into the Downtown grid, and her connections are only outpaced by her extraordinary  leadership and knowledge of public affairs, public relations and economic development. She’s an expert at navigating complex and controversial issues with high-profile stakeholders and will bring that strategy and experience to support our clients and continue growing the firm.”

Cameron brings more than 15 years of communications experience to Randle, including a mastery of integrated communications campaigns, along with branding and marketing, economic development, public affairs and external affairs.

Most recently, Cameron managed an expansive portfolio of communications, marketing and economic development for Downtown Sacramento Partnership, where she successfully launched a $200,000 COVID-response education and recovery campaign, re-branded the Old Sacramento Waterfront, and garnered recognition of Sacramento in the nationwide “Value of U.S. Downtowns” study.  She previously worked at public relations and public affairs firms in Sacramento where she gained specialized knowledge on issues in agriculture, education, energy, government, healthcare, finance, sports, entertainment, and transportation.

“Randle Communications has the best strategic communications team in California, and I’m elated to join experts who share a passion and commitment to excellence. I’m also thrilled to launch a local Sacramento practice and partner with regional leaders who are growing jobs, improving the community and creating the next chapter for Sacramento,” said Cameron.

Cameron earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Communications minor from the University of California, Davis, and calls Hollywood Parks her home. She is on the Regional Council for Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce (2014), the PR Professional of the Year by Sacramento Public Relations Association (2014) and named to the Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2012.